Starting in 2023, I got admittedly lazy when it came to updating this website. The popularity of quick to consume content on social media, and the overwhelming preference of videos as of late, I found myself prioritizing our other outlets. It’s unfortunate though, because this website most certainly pre-dates those other outlets, and without a doubt is what afforded us continued growth throughout the NDF universe. In 2025 I want try to curb that trend, and work to update the site more often; and not just with links to YouTube videos. The truth is, posting YouTube videos here doesn’t make a difference in the viewership (according to YouTube’s metrics anyway). The website has always held a place for content that you’re unable to consume on social media – larger photos, without compression, and every once in awhile a feature article that dives into the process and nuances of a build. The majority of our Instagram captions are long form and provide useful information, but every so often it’s nice to do a deep dive into something. For me, talking to the drivers and learning information that you can’t find anywhere else has always been a fun aspect of my work. Since I really only set a goal for myself to drive more this year, and hadn’t really thought much about the website in terms of goals, I suppose you can call this my resolution going into the new year. I just hope I’m able to make enough time to deliver – editing photos is very time consuming!
With all that being said, this will be the 4th post on the site for January, 1 of 2 very large galleries, with at least one more coming before the month is over. I’m a bit behind in coverage as far as dates go. My motivation fluctuates depending on how well the photos are in my personal opinion so the work flow doesn’t always go smoothly. For example, I was disappointed in the recent photo set from Fuji Speedway, and it really stemmed from me being uninspired while at the actual event and having such a short window to compose anything. On the flip side, I really enjoyed processing the photos posted here from the first DKM Tsukuba event. The atmosphere was more alive, and it was most of the drivers first time at Tsukuba for the season. It’s events like these that I enjoy the most both in the moment, and reliving through processing.
The DKM Challenge event held on December 12th, 2024 served as the unofficial Tsukuba Circuit season opener. While many of the drivers have hit circuits around Japan earlier in the year (Suzuka and Sugo back in October and November), this was many of the drivers first time at Tsukuba for the 2024/25 season. I landed back in Japan the night before and in less than 12 hours I was waking up at 5am to make the drive out to Tsukuba Circuit. It was dreadfully cold, but everyone was in good spirits and happy to be back at the proving grounds of TC2000. Many people actually set new personal bests at this event, as the conditions were on the better side; cold and dense air (very cold). Most notably, Aoki overtook Shibata in the rankings, and Taka got even closer to becoming the fastest GTR35 at Tsukuba. It was a good day mixed with some highs and lows for the drivers – overall a great start to Attack at Tsukuba. Naturally, this being over a month past, the time sheets have already changed multiple times, but we’re sure to keep an accurate and up to date rankings page despite how far behind in actual coverage we get. Check out the video for specifics of the event, and enjoy the gallery afterwards.
As always, if you have any questions regarding any of the builds feel free to leave a comment below on the post, or on any one of our outlets.
No need to apologize, we should all be so fortunate to have someone like you with such great talent providing us with great content to enjoy. Keep up the great work!